Key Highlights
- Dr. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman, passed away on 25 April 2025 at age 84.
- He steered ISRO from 1994‑2003, launching landmark missions such as BHASKARA, IRS‑1A, and the operational PSLV.
- Under his guidance, the GSLV achieved its first successful flight, marking a technological leap.
- Beyond space, he chaired the drafting committee for the National Education Policy 2020 and led the Kasturirangan Committee on the Western Ghats.
- He received all three Padma awards—Shri, Bhushan, and Vibhushan—for his multifaceted contributions.
Detailed Insights
ISRO Leadership – As Chairman, Dr. Kasturirangan transformed ISRO into a globally competitive agency. He oversaw the transition from experimental satellites to a robust launch vehicle fleet, ensuring India’s self‑reliance in space technology.
Satellite Development – Prior to chairmanship, he directed the ISRO Satellite Centre, where he managed the INSAT‑2 series and the IRS‑1C/D satellites, which were lauded as some of the world’s finest civilian Earth‑observation platforms.
Policy and Education – His tenure in the Rajya Sabha and the Planning Commission amplified his influence on national policy. The NEP 2020, drafted under his leadership, aims to overhaul India’s education system, while the new National Curriculum Framework provides a blueprint for reforms.
Environmental Stewardship – The 2013 Kasturirangan Committee Report identified 59,940 sq. km of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, shaping conservation strategies across six states.
Key Concepts
- ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation, the national space agency responsible for satellite development and launch operations.
- PSLV – Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a versatile launch vehicle that became the backbone of India’s satellite deployment.
- GSLV – Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, enabling India to launch heavier payloads into geostationary orbit.
- NEP 2020 – National Education Policy 2020, a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming India’s education system.
- Kasturirangan Committee – A governmental panel that assessed the ecological significance of the Western Ghats and recommended conservation measures.